Find a friendly tree near a clearing and stay there until you are found. That was one key piece of advice the Elkhorn Search and Rescue members shared with students at Boulder Elementary April 13.
Other advice discussed at the gathering included always telling someone where you are going and never going alone; carry a large garbage bag that can be made into a shelter to stay warm and dry; bring along a whistle and something reflective to signal searchers; wear bright clothing and make yourself big so searchers can see you; and always, always, always stay put. Hugging a tree can keep you from wandering too far, can help searchers locate you, and can keep you from tripping or falling, ESAR members told the kids.
One of the most popular features of the presentation was a demonstration by search dog Mr. Magoo. He is in training to learn to identify a scent that is of someone being sought and then follow the scent, explained his handler. When he leads the way, he is wearing a GPS antenna so the searchers can tell where he has been when he returns to let them know the missing person is found, said handler Chaz Pahach.
Another topic that fascinated the children was scary animals, especially bears. After ESAR member Jeff Pallister assured them that the animals are more scared of them than they are of the animals, the children had a long list of questions, many pretty silly ones that tickled their fancy: What if the bear eats your tree? What if there is meat in the tree? What if the tree isn’t friendly?
The ESAR members handled each one expertly, and the children left knowing the importance of hugging a tree.
